HARRISBURG - Wildwood Park is a haven for hikers, bikers, birders, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, to name just a few. Yet many who visit the area are unaware that the park has been operating for more than a century now.

The area, once known as “Wetzel’s Swamp,” is just north of the city center off the Front Street exit of Interstate 81. It underwent a transformation in the early 1900s as part of the City Beautiful movement, which, at the time, was sweeping the nation. The Movement embraced the philosophy of landscape architect and reformer Frederick Law Olmstead, who believed that city dwellers benefited by having access to parks and open spaces.

By 1907, Wildwood’s first paths were opened and a year later, a baseball field created. Just two years afterwards, city council threw a wrench in the works by advocating for some of the land to be used for industrial purposes. The proposal was considered by the park commission, but ultimately defeated, or Pennsylvania's capital city might not have the park it enjoys today.

In 1914, Harrisburg annexed the land and in the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s, Wildwood Park took on what has been described as a “circus-like atmosphere” with a zoo which included mink, black bear, white-tailed deer, muskrat, raccoon and a mountain lion.

During the Depression, the Park was often the focus of the Work Progress Administration (WPA) and several projects were completed at the lake, including the creation of picnic facilities.

By the 1940s, the popularity of the park waned, the zoo shut down and the area was largely neglected. Part of the land was even used for a dumping ground--a practice that continued thorough the 1960s.

By 1976, City Council was ready to sell Wildwood to Dauphin County at a steal and it was acquired for the grand total of one dollar. By the 1980s, a movement was once again afoot, this time to revitalize the park. Grants were acquired and the effort gained steam. To continue the momentum, a group of civic-minded individuals established a private nonprofit organization in 1987 called “Friends of Wildwood.” In 1992, Benjamin Olewine, a well-known food distributor, donated $827,000 towards the nature center that is used today as an educational facility.

A deer walks through ferns at Wildwood Park.(Photo: Stephanie Kalina-Metzger)

Today’s Wildwood

Today Wildwood Park is a thriving community hub that attracts young and old alike. Chris Rebert, park manager, said, “Not only does it still provide flood protection for Harrisburg, but it also serves a variety of educational and recreational uses.”

New visitors may want to first stop at the Olewine Nature Center to pick up brochures, maps and other literature about the area before heading to the exhibits that provide wetland information. An on-site gift shop supports the “Friends of Wildwood.”

Photographers who visit the park will have plenty of opportunities to capture a variety of wildlife, from deer to frogs, turtles, snakes and birds like the great blue heron, egrets and wood ducks.

For fans of flora and fauna, a special viewing opportunity unfolds in July - the blooming of the American lotus, which was once on the endangered list. “We have an expansive amount and the blooms are about 8-10-inches wide - big creamy blooms. Mid-July is the best time to visit to view them,” said Rebert.

Take a hike

The wooded area is popular with walkers, who can take advantage of 6 miles of trails.

Clay Durham visits the park regularly as part of his exercise regimen. “I like it because I used to run at a local gym, but got sick of people fighting for the mirror to see who looked better lifting weights while I ran,” said the Enola resident, adding that an added bonus is the opportunity to view wildlife. “There are birds, geese and ducks everywhere. The wildlife is always there - rabbits, chipmunks and even garter snakes and toads; there is always something different, and if you get tired there are benches along the way. There are paved paths, gravel paths, boardwalk areas and rustic trails,” he said.

The family friendly area is also popular with children. “My god-daughter is 6 years old and loves the entire walk,” said Durham.

An activity that is currently popular with children is a scavenger hunt for families and groups called “Explore Wildwood.” The activity is available every day except Monday through June 26 and focuses on natural history with questions and stops along the way. “When visitors are finished, they can learn the answers at the explanation station inside the Nature Center,” said Rebert.

And for those who have yet to visit the area, “Art in the Park,” is a must see and runs through Oct. 31. This year’s theme is “Movement,” and the competition attracted 16 artists who used nature to create works of art to blend in with the natural surroundings of the park.

For those who plan ahead, the annual Wildwood Festival occurs on Sept. 25 this year and includes food, music, educational activities, and a 5K fun run/walk with a little something for everyone.

To learn more about what you can do at Wildwood, visit their website at wildwoodlake.org.